Top Tips for Using Oyster Cards and Travelcards While Exploring London

 

Whether you are a regular visitor in London or just having a one-off trip, one of the smartest and easiest ways of getting around London via the public transport network is by using an Oyster travel smartcard. Oyster cards are digital smartcards that you can use to pay for London’s public transport.

Charged based on journeys made, contactless Oyster payment cards, however, do have a daily maximum. Travelcards, on the other hand, are flat rate passes that give you unlimited rides for the period you purchased the card. Visitor Oyster cards can be bought online even before arrival in London. Alternatively, you can purchase an Oyster card at Oyster ticket shops, TfL Visitor Centers, and travel stations. If you're planning an extended stay, consider booking any long stay aparthotel in Hyde Park, offering comfort and convenience while you explore London with ease.

Using Oyster Cards and Travelcards

Using an Oyster card is easy as they are contactless payment that is acceptable on most of London's transport network. Simply touch the Oyster card on the strategically located yellow card reader when starting and ending your journey. The touching in and out ensures you only pay the appropriate fare. Failure to touch in and out may get you charged a penalty fare. If you need to use an Oyster card, don’t hesitate to seek help from station staff.

Travelcards, on the other hand, are paper tickets that you can use at the London Overground, Tube, DLR, National Rail, and TfL Rail stations. On buses and trams, you simply show the driver your travel card. A Visitor Oyster card is one of the cheapest ways to pay for a single bus, Tube, tram, TfL Rail, DLR, and most National Rail services when traveling in London.

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Deciding Which Ticket to Buy for London Travel

Deciding whether to buy an Oyster card, Visitor Oyster card, or Travelcard or even whether to use other types of contactless payment card can be tricky for many travelers. However, you may be guided by how long you intend to stay in London as well as the frequency of travel using public transport.

If you intend to make two to four daily journeys for several days or plan to travel to the city’s outskirts, then the cheapest option may be to buy a Visitor Oyster card or Oyster card. If your visit is likely to last a month or longer with three or more daily journeys, then it's advisable to plan to buy a Monthly Travelcard as it may be more cost-effective.

Travelcards are, however, not valid on London’s river bus services although most river tour companies and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offer a 1/3 discount when you use a valid Travelcard. You can also buy a long-term travel pass linked to your Oyster. These are typically valid for anything from a week to a year.

Conclusion

For London visitors, you need to consider the pros and cons of each mode of travel payment when using the city’s public transport network. The most popular and cost-effective method for London travel is the Oyster Card. It’s not just for visitors because those working and living in London will most likely have an Oyster Card.

A Travelcard, on the other hand, gives you unlimited travel in the zones it's valid for at any time on the Tube, DLR, London Overground, Tram, Elizabeth line, and National Rail services within London. You can use a Travelcard on all buses, and on all trams if valid for zones 3 to 6 in London. You can buy a Travelcard to start on any day of the week and it can be a day or season ticket. It's important to point out that your travel card can also be linked with an Oyster card.

While the Oyster Card remains the benchmark for London travel, many are increasingly turning to other contactless payment options. Whichever method you choose, staying at Grand Plaza Serviced Apartment will enhance your London experience with the comfort and convenience of a home away from home.